Meeting 5/2003 of the Administrative Heads Group was held between 8.30am and 9:45am on Thursday, 9 October 2003 in the Council Room, Administration Building 3A, Clayton campus.

Apologies were received from Professor Gary Bouma – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Ms Alison Crook – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources), Ms Pam Herman – Manager, Research Graduate School, Mr Andrew Picouleau – Director, Policy and Consultancy and Ms Meredith Jackson – Executive Director, Marketing and Public Affairs.

The Administrative Heads Group welcomed Professor Richard Larkins, Vice-Chancellor, to the Chair.

The Chair welcomed new members Ms Helen Dunne – Campus Manager, Caulfield, Ms Jill McLachlan – Campus Manager, Peninsula, Ms Marlene Mannays – Campus Manager, Clayton and Berwick, and Ms Michelle King – Project Officer, University Planning and Research, who was in attendance for this meeting.

The Minutes of Meeting 4/2003, held 14 August 2003, were confirmed.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Larkins, outlined the benefits to Australian universities and students of the overall Higher Education Reform package. However the Vice-Chancellor highlighted concerns with the package including the potential for increased financial burden on students and linkage of the package to the workplace reform agenda. Professor Larkins noted efforts were being made to work with the Union towards greater flexibility in this area and that it was hoped the package would be able to be accepted with some amendments.

The Vice-Chancellor informed members about the NTEU strike on 16 October relating to the proposed workplace reforms. Professor Lindsay advised that area heads would receive instruction about a reporting system for the strike.

Discussion occurred about the consultation process involved and the equity provisions required if fees were increased. Professor Parker advised that the "Pricing, Position and Equity Working Party" would be considering relevant issues. A member noted the significance of timing of the introduction of the legislation. Members noted this may impact on aspects of implementation including introduction of equity scholarships and work on the Higher Education Information Management System.

The Vice-Chancellor informed members about the overarching ‘Strategic Framework 2003-2008’ that had been prepared at the request of Council. The Framework would support the general vision of ‘Leading the Way’ and the key defining themes and principles of Monash. Aspects of the university’s international vision and campus planning would be given consideration. Professor Larkins advised that a major planning forum would be held early in 2004 involving senior academic and general staff.

Members noted that the Strategic Framework led into the campus planning efforts headed by Professor Parker. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the need for flexible planning mechanisms that would allow the university to respond to opportunities as they arose.

Professor Larkins advised about outcomes of a profile meeting with DEST. Discussion had occurred at the meeting about matters including the university’s financial status and activities such as issues with the South Africa campus, a university submission about a statement of principles regarding the roll over of marginal places to full places, and places for the Peninsula campus that would attract high calibre students. Members noted the meeting had resulted in positive discussion.

The Vice-Chancellor informed members that an initial recommendation from a recent Security review had involved locking Administration Building 3A with entry via staff card only and that visitors to the building would have had to be announced. The Vice-Chancellor advised that following further consideration it had instead been decided to install security cameras and engage a security officer for Building 3A.

Professor Larkins reported on progress with Enterprise Bargaining including meetings that had been conducted by Professor Alan Lindsay and Mr Peter Marshall. Members noted the Vice-Chancellor had had a positive meeting with the Union and that it was hoped discussions would resume after 16 October.

Members noted advice from the Vice-Chancellor regarding specific campus issues including:

A document was circulated.

The Administrative Heads Group endorsed the nomination of the Vice-Chancellor of Ms Bronwyn Shields, Faculty Manager, Arts, to be the representative of the Group on the Advisory Group to the Equal Opportunity Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation on Decision-Making Committees.

A document was circulated.

Professor Stephen Parker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, outlined the key aspects of the document "Re-thinking Campus Planning" including timelines for vision statements anticipated for 2004, methodology and frame of reference used and progress to date with particular campuses. Members noted Professor Parker’s advice about the principle requirements for campuses, ways in which campuses may be differentiated and the propositions as a basis from which to proceed.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted a key challenge for Monash to take advantage of the strong faculty structures whilst managing multi campus flexibility. Professor Larkins noted the importance of maintaining a focus on research and education throughout this process.

Discussion occurred regarding:

Documentation was circulated.

Professor Merran Evans, Director, University Planning and Research, introduced this item highlighting the quantitative measures that had been used across a number of years based on key themes from ‘Leading the Way’.

The Vice-Chancellor thanked Professor Evans and Ms Michelle King for their efforts in production of the paper and noted the benefits of trend data that would allow comparison within the institution.

Members discussed aspects of the university-wide indicators including:

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the outstanding appointment of Professor Edwina Cornish to the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), commencing 16 February 2004. Professor Larkins commended Professor Gary Bouma for his significant efforts during his term as acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).